A Seasonal Eater's Guide to Spring Produce
We love a zingy citrus and brussels sprouts salad as much as the next person, but as Wintery weather drags on, all those leafy greens and root vegetables can get a little dull — so we welcome verdant Spring produce with open farmers market totes. With that in mind, we've compiled a handy guide to what fruits and vegetables we can all look forward to devouring this coming season, from peppery radishes to exotic cherimoyas, and loads in between.
Artichokes
Artichokes are at their peak from March until June, with petite baby artichokes available for a slightly truncated season: March through May.
Asparagus
Asparagus is at its snappiest from March till May.
Cardoons
Cardoons, an Italian staple, are available in Winter, Spring, and early Summer.
Cherimoyas
The exotic cherimoya can be found from January to May in a good year.
Chervil
Chervil is at its peak in Spring.
Fava Beans
Fava bean harvest signifies the transition from Spring to Summer, as fava beans are typically available April through July.
Fiddlehead Ferns
Fiddlehead fern season typically only lasts for a few short weeks in May.
Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes — the flowering stalks of still-developing garlic bulbs — are typically available for a few weeks sometime between late May and early July.
Leeks
Leeks are generally available year-round, with their peak during the Spring season.
Mangoes
While mangoes don't typically grow in the US, their peak season runs from April through June in the equatorial climes where they're harvested.
Morel Mushrooms
The prized morel mushroom is typically foraged (and therefore available fresh) during the Spring months; throughout the rest of the year, try dried morels.
Nettles
Stinging nettles are available in markets January through July.
Peas
English peas — also known as shell peas and garden peas — enjoy a short-lived season during late Spring and early Summer and are at their best in May.
Pea Shoots
Tender pea shoots and tendrils are typically available January through May.
Purslane
Purslane is typically available from April through December.
Radishes
Although radishes are available year-round, it's during Spring and Summer months when one can truly appreciate them for their crisp texture and spicy, juicy bite.
Ramps
Ramps are wild onions that have a limited season of about six weeks beginning in April.
Rhubarb
Actually a vegetable rather than a fruit, rhubarb is at its peak from April to June, though it is often available slightly later into the Summer season.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are simply young onions that have been pulled before they develop into conventional onions, and they are available — you guessed it — throughout the Spring season.
Strawberries
Strawberries are at their sweetest from April to July, though they are available at farmers markets as early as March and as late as October.